Load handling apparatus



April 3, 1958 F. GERHARDT ET AL 2,829,789

LQAD HANDLING APPARATUS 7 Sheets-Sheet l Filed Jam.- si, 1955 FRED GERHAADT GRANT/W. WEBER INVENTORS L a HERZ/G.

' 1477UQNE$$ HUEBNER BEEHLER mom April 1958 F. GERHARDT ET AL 2,829,789

LOAD HANDLING APPARATUS 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Jan. 31, 1955 FRED GERHARDT GRANT M. WEBER IN VE N TO/PS HUEBNER, BEEHLER,

WORREL 8 HERZ/G ATTORNEYS wym April 8, 1958 F. GERHARDT ET AL 2,829,789

' LOAD HANDLING APPARATUS Filed Jan. 31 1955 7 Sheefs-Sheet :5

FRED GERHARDT amlvr M. WEBER INVENTORS HUEBNER, BEEHLER,

won/m a HERZ/G A77'ORNEVS F. GERHARDT ET AL 2,829,789

LOAD HANDLING APPARATUS April 8, 1958 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Jan. 51, 1955 Ill llllll. l

III]. III ll llll- FRED GERHARDT. GRANT M. WEBER I INVENTORY HUEBNE/Pk BEEHLER WOR EL s HERZ/G A7TO/PNEKS F. GERHARDT E-f AL. 2,829,789

LOAD HANDLING APPARATUS Apr- 18, 1958 Filed Jan. 31, 1955 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 FRED GERHARDT GRANT M. WEBER HUEBNER, BEEHLE/P,

WORREL 8 HERZ/G,

1 A 77'ORNEKS April 1953 F. GERHARDT ET AL 2,829,789

LOAD HANDLING APPARATUS 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed Jan. 51, 1955 FRED BERHA/PDT GRANT M. WEBER lNVENTORS HUEBNER, BEEHLER,

WORREL 8 HERZ/G ATTORNEYS April 8, 1958 F. GE'RHARDT ET AL 2,829,789

' LOAD HANDLING APPARATUS Filed Jan. 51, 1955 v '7 Sheets-Sheet '7 FRED GERHARDT GRANT M. WEBER Wvavroes HUEENER, BEEHLER,

WORREL 8 HERZ/G A77'0/PNEK9 U i ed S a es ..P@t

LOAD HANDLING APPARATUS Fred Gerhardt and Grant M. Weber, Fresno, Calif. Application January 31, 1955, Serial No. 485,266

16 Claims. (Cl. 214-315) The present invention relates to load handling apparatus and more particularly to improvements in such apparatus having provision forreceiving, elevationally positioning, horizontally positioning and dumping or otherwise tilting or manipulating receptacles or the like.

It is frequently necessary in the handling of certain materials to dump individual receptacles of such materials into larger receptacles for bulk delivery to points of disposition or use. Operations of this nature are well known in the handling of such items as coal, sand, crushed stone and the like. More recently such operations have been adapted to the handling of fruits, vegetables, grain and other crops.

In the harvesting of grapes for wine, for example, wheel supported receptacles, sometimes known as gondolas, are moved between the vine rows while grapes are picked from the vines and loaded into the receptacles. When these receptacles are full," they are wheeled to centrally located areas and dumped into larger receptacles, such as, trucks or trailers. Subsequently, when the larger receptacles are filled, they are driven to the processing plant,'such as a winery or other destination. The instant invention provides an improved apparatus for handling the individual receptacles and is especially concerned with the more efficient and effective dumping of such receptacles into larger receptacles, as discussed above.

In the past, apparatus of this nature has been able to accomplish only the minimum functions required for the described operation, that is, the functions of engaging the receptacles, elevationally positioning the receptacles and tilting the receptacles to discharge the contents. Even these basic functions, conventional structures have been deficient in several respects. For example, engaging devices such as chains providing spaced hooks adapted to fit over the edges of the receptacles have been clumsy and cumbersome to manipulate. Other types of engaging devices have required specially designed receptacles, such as'shown in the United States patent to Stokes No. 2,413,661. Dumping or tilting devices have either per mi-tted tilting incident to an imbalance in weight, that is, relying upon the action of gravity, as in the United States 'patent to Cochran No. 1,628,389 orhave required relatively complex gearing or pulley arrangements as in United States patent to Stokes, cited above, and the United States patent to Wellman No. 2,507,583, respecively. The prior art, therefore, does not provide mate rial handling apparatus having provision for positive engagement of a receptacle and readily adaptable to a variety of receptacles which is' further automatically op erable. In addition, inadequate provision is made in the prior art structures for dependable and simple apparatus to enable positively controlled tilting, tipping or otherwise dumping of the engaged receptacles.

. Conventional equipment is not suitably and economically adapted for both mobile and stationary use for the purpose of the present invention. The above cited patents serve as illustrations of apparatus in the nature of 2,829,789 tented Apr.

industrial trucks wherein powered means are incorpo-' rated as part of the structure. Such arrangements are convenient, compact and excellently suited to certain purposes but are often of a cost. prohibitive to the small operator.

It is the 'broad object of this invention, therefore, to provide improvements in material handling apparatus.

Another object is to provide a material handling apparatus having improved structure forreceiving, engaging, elevationally positioning, horizontally positioning, dumping, transporting and otherwise manipulating receptacles.

Another object is to provide a material handling apparatus of the trailer type adapted for stationary use but mobile so as readily to be made available at desired posi-; tions.

Another object is to provide a material handling apparatus adapted dependably to engage receptacles for manipulation'thereof at controlled elevations and selected attitudes.

Another object is to provide a material handling apparatus having provision for receptacle engagement and disengagement automatically responsive to elevational positioning of the receptacle.

Another object is to provide a positive, dependably operable, dumping and retracting arrangement for use in a material handling apparatus.

Other objects-are to provide material handling apparatus of simplified, economic and durable construction adaptable for use with many types of receptacles and materials, easy and convenient to use, dependable in op.- eration, and highly effective for their intended purposes.

These and other objects will become more fully apparent upon reference to the following description.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a fragmentary side elevation of the material handling apparatus of the present invention in stationary position but showing portions of the apparatus in dashed lines as adjusted for mobility.

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary vertical longitudinal section taken through the materialhandling apparatus of Fig. 1 but showing the lift frame and lift arms in elevated positions' and with a gondola in engaged position on the lift arms.

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary side elevation of the material handling apparatus showing a lift frame in fully extended position and a tilt frame in fully tilted position to dump' a gondola shown therein and illustrating in dashed lines the extent of controlled oscillation of the lift frame.

Fig. 4 is a front elevation of the material handling apparatus in its condition shown in Fig. 1 with a gondola shown in dashed lines thereon.

Fig. 5 is a top plan view of the material handling apparatus of Fig. 1 with a gondola in dashed lines thereon.

Fig.6 is a somewhat enlarged fragmentary detail view of one of the lift arms and the tilt frame, portions there of being shown in section for illustrative convenience.

Fig. 7 is a somewhat enlarged transverse section taken on line 7-7 in Fig. 5.

Fig. 8 is a somewhat enlarged transverse section taken on line 8-8 in Fig. 5.

Fig. 9 is a somewhat enlarged fragmentary detail view Fig. 10 is a horizontal section taken on line 1010 of Fig. 9. i

Fig. 11 is a diagrammatic view of the hydraulic system utilized in the operation of the material handling apparatus of the present invention.

Fig. 12 is a somewhat enlarged fragmentary detail view of the base and lift frames showing the association there between- Fig. '13 is a top plan view of the structure of Fig. 12.

Referring more particularly to the drawings:

' The material handling apparatus as provided by the present invention is generally indicated at in Fig. 1. A gondola 11 or other receptacle such as a wheeled cart. box, trailer or the like,is shown positioned on the material handling apparatus in Figs. 2, 3, 4, and 5. 4

' The gondola 11 is substantially rectangular and provides oppositely disposed side walls 12 and ground eugagingwheels 13.. .Parallel shoulder strips or rims 14 are provided along the lower side edges of the gondola. It will be readily apparent that the invention is not limited to any specificform of gondolaor receptacle and the type described is merely shown for convenience in setting forth the principles of the invention; s

"The apparatus 10 includes a substantially horizontally disposedrectangular base frame having a forward end portion 21 .and' a rearward end portion 22. The base frame includes a pair of spaced parallel side channels 23 interconnected at their ends by end channels 24. Referring to Fig. 2 in particular, pairs of longitudinally spaced 'transversed channels are extended between the side channels 23 at the forward end portion 21 of the frame. Each pair of transverse channels is fitted with a U-shaped supporting plate v31 'and platforms 32 are rigidly secured to the support plates. 7

Longitudinal beams 33 are connected at one end to the end channel 24in the forward endportion of the frame and rearwardly extended in supporting relation through the transverse channels 30 to a position in the rearward end portion 22 of the frame. A transverse bar 34 isextended between the side channels 23 and is connected to the rearwardly extended ends of the longi tudinal beams. A pair of struts 35 .are extended between the side channels and the longitudinal beams being connected to the opposite ends of the transverse bar.

An equipment platform is provided in the rearward end portion 22 of the base frame 20 supported between the end channel 24 andthetransverse bar 34. A pair of support bars '41 and 42 are extended longitudinally between the end channel 24 and the bar 34.

Pairs of spaced ramps 45 are provided on opposite sides of the forward end portion 21 of the base frame 20 and are connected to theside channels 23 by hinges 4.6. Thus arranged, the ramps may be pivoted to an outwardly extended position, as shown in the drawings, whereby the gondola 11 may be wheeled upwardly onto the platforms 32 and downwardly therefrom. When transporting the apparatus 10 from place to. place, the ramps may be folded inwardly of the base frame on their hinges thus precluding dragging of the ramps and reducing the overall width of the apparatus as, for example, in adapting the device to highway travel.

An elongated tube'50, best seen in Fig. 2, is extended through the end channel 24 in the forward end portion. 21 of the base frame 20 rearwardly of the frame through the pairs of transverse channels 30 and is supported in one of the latter. A substantially cylindrical tow bar 51 is slidablyfitted within the tubular'sleeve and provides a forwardly and upwardly extended portion 52 having a ing 53 thereon adapted for connection to a prime mover, such as a tractor, truck or the like, not shown. The tubular sleeve is provided centrally thereof with a diametrically extended vertically positioned opening and the tow bar is similarly provided with a diametrically extended opening. When the tow bar is inserted in the tubular member and the openings are aligned, a pin 56 is inserted through the openings for locking the tow bar to the frame.

A pair of flanges '60 are extended upwardly from the side channels 23 at each side of the base frame and centrally thereof. A support frame is provided conveniently including guide channels 61 pivoted individually on the flanges and extended upwardly from the side channels. A substantially U-shaped lift frame 62 is prqvidedhav-ing V 64 interconnecting the upper ends of the legs.

a pair of legs 63 of channel shape slidably telescopically received in the guide channels 61 and having a crossbar This is best seen in Fig. 4 wherein it is also noted that a transverse beam 65 is extended between the legs 63 in adjacent spaced relation to the crossbar 64. The crossbar is provided with a pair of dependent flanges 66 mounted in spaced parallel relation while the transverse beam is provided with a pair of mounting lugs 67 mounted in spaced relation at theouter ends of the beam.

Referring to Fig. 2, there is seen a somewhat Z-shaped central support plate 70 connected between the lower end of the guide channels 61 and providing a rearwardly extended upper flange 71 and a forwardly extended lower flange 72. A pair of lift rams 73 are attached to the central support plate and to the transverse beam by suitable U-clamps 74 and are supported in substantially erect position between the guide channels and rested on the lower flange 72. The lift rams are pivoted attheir upper ends to the flanges 66, by pins 75. Each of the lift rams is provided with fluid conductingconduits 76 and 77 to which additional reference is subsequently made. 1

7 Wheel support brackets 80, best seen in Figs. 1, 12 and 13, are provided on each side of the support frame 20. Each bracket includes a central brace 81 rearwardly extended in substantially perpendicular relation from the guide channel 61 rested on .the upper flange 71 and a pair of rearwardly diverging angle braces 82 and 83 connected at longitudinally spaced positions to the guide channel on opposite sides of the central brace and also connected to the central brace 81 at a common junction. Wheels 84 are journaled on the central brace on axles 85.

Wheel positioning rams 90 are provided on the rearward end portion of the-frame and are pivotally connected at opposite ends to flanges 91 rearwardly extended from the guide channels 61 and to flanges 92 upwardly extended from the side channels 23. Each wheel positioning ram is provided with a pair of conduits 93 and 94 for admitting and exhausting fluid therefrom. The Wheel positioning rams are adapted in their extended position to pivot the guide channels 61 and lift frame 62 into a-substantially upright perpendicular position relative to the base frame 20 wherein the ground engaging wheels 84 are retracted from a ground engaging position thereby resting the base frame 20 on the ground in dependably stationary position for use. In the retracted position of the rams 96, the guide channels and lift frame are pivoted rearwardly, as shown in dashed lines in Fig. 1, to lower the wheels 84 into ground engaging position whereby the base frame is adapted for mobile use. The rams 90 are also used torock or oscillate the lift frame between forwardly and rearwardly inclined positions, as illustrated in .Fig. 3.

As best shown in Fig. 12, the side channels 23 are provided with-hooks 96 to which chains 97 are attached. The central braces 81 of the Wheel support brackets 80 are provided with s'lots 98 adapted to receive the chains 97. Thus, when the'wheels 84 are in ground engaging position, the chains are inserted in the slots in selected position in order to maintain the guide channels 'iu'rearwardly tilted relation relative to the base frame 20.

Referring to Figs. .2, 4, and 6 vertically disposed guide plates 165 are provided in the guide channels 61 and rollers 106 .rotatably mounted on the guide plates are extended outwardly. therefrom' for rolling engagement against the innerlsurfaces of the channels 61. A mounting panel 107 is extended'between the guide plates in substantially vertical position. A pair of channel shaped lift arms 109 are integrally extended forwardly in substantially perpendicular spaced relation from the mounting panel; The lift arms aneprovided with outwardly extended flanges 109. A tie member 110 is connected between the forwardly extended ends of the lift arms.

The lift arms are also provided withdependent-exte sions 111 formingjournal plates. The mounting panel is provided with an upper flange 112 having a pair of upwardly extended lugs 113 securely attached thereto. In addition, the lift arms, as seen inFig. 6, are provided rearwardly therein with lugs 114. V

Referring to Fig. 4, there is shown a pair of dependent bearing plates 12% connected to the crossbar 64 of the lift frame 62 in parallel spaced relation thereon outwardly of flanges 66. A shaft 121 is journaled in the bearing plates and mounts a pair of sprockets 122, seen in Fig. 2, on the opposite outer ends thereof. Chains 123 are draped in meshing engagement over the sprockets and are connected at their opposite ends to the lugs 67 onthe transverse beam 65 to the lugs 113 on the upper flange 112 of the mounting panel 107. It is believed readily apparent that extension of the lift ram 731'is effective to elevate the liftframe 62 thereby to elevate the mounting panel 107 and lift arms 108 through operation of the sprocket and chain mechanism. Likewise, retraction of the rams 73 lowers the lift arms 108.

A tilt frame 138, best seen in Figs. 3, 5, and 6, provides a pair of channel shaped beams 131 adapted to fit in opposed relation within the lift arms 108. The beams provide dependent flanges 132 which are pivoted to the lift arms by journal pins 133 extended through the extension journal plates 111. A crosspiece 134 is extended between the ends of the beams 131 remote from the pivotal connection to the lift arms and provides an upper rearwardly extended angulated flange 135. Each of the beams 131 has a lug 136 downwardly extended therewithin.

Tilt rams 140 are pivotally connected at opposite ends to the lugs 114 in the liftarms and to the lugs 136 in the channel beams of the tilt frame. with a pair of conduits 141 and 142 for admitting and releasing hydraulic fluid thereto. These too are subsequently discussed. When the tilt ram is extended it pivots the tilt frame 130 from a rearwardly or inwardly folded position within the lift arms 108 in a clockwise direction to a forwardly inclined or tilted position, as shown in Fig. 3. When the tilt ram is retracted, it is adapted to move the beams 131 of the tilt frame 130 into a folded or nested position within the lift arms.

With reference to Figs. 2, 5, and 6, each of the channel beams 131 of the tilt frame provides a pair of angulated clamping levers 159 at opposite ends thereof mounted for pivotal movement between a retracted position within the respective beam and an upwardly extended position. Each lever has a control link 151 and an angularly related hook arm 152. An engage and release ram 153 is mounted in each channel beam 131 being pivotally connected between the levers in the respective channel beam. In the extended position of the ram the clamping levers move into upwardly extended positions wherein the hook arms are adapted to engage over the shoulder strips 14 on the gondola 11. When the ram is retracted, the clamping levers are adapted to move into retracted position. A conduit 154 is connected to the ram for admitting and releasing fluid to and from the ram.

A bracket 160 is pivotally connected to the inwardly positioned clamping levers 150 and provides a pin 161 extended therefrom. A pin 162 is also extended from the ram 153. A spring 163 is connected at opposite ends between the pins 161 and 162 for normally urging the 7 release and engaging ram into retracted positionwhereby the clamping levers 158 normaily are in their retracted positions.

The engage and release ram 153 is automatically controlled in its operation by a control valve 168 mounted rearwardly on one of the guide channels 61, as best seen in Figs. 9'and 10. The control valve includes a cylinder 169 providing inlet and outlet conduits 170 and 171, respectively. A piston valve member is s lid- The tilt ram is provided ably reciprocally received in the cylinder -169 for ver* tical reciprocal movement thereby to control the disposition of fluid flow in the conduits and 171. A mounting arm 173 is rigidly connected to the cylinder and a control lever 174 is pivotally connected at one end to the mounting arm and centrally pivotally connected to the piston valve member 172. A relatively longitudinally stiff spring 175 is extended endwardly from the lever 174 and provides a roller 176 mounted on the outer end thereof. The control valve is mounted in such a manner that the roller extends forwardly into the path of the guide plates during their vertical movement relative to the guide channels.

The hydraulic system for controlling the apparatus of the present invention is best seen in Figs. 5 and 11 and includes a fluid reservoir 185 mounted rearwardly on the base frame 28 on support bars 41 and 42 and having fluid outlet and inlet conduits 186 and 187, respectively. A pump 188 is connected in the fluid outlet line for forcing hydraulic fluid through the system.

A Wheel positioning control valve 190 mounted on the reservoir 185 is connected to the fluid inlet and outlet conduit 187 and 186 and provides a control handle 191 for operation thereof. A fluid conduit 192 is connected betweenthe valve 198 and the conduits 93 for admitting fluid to the rams 90 during extension thereof. A fluid conduit 193 is connected between the valve 190 and the conduits 94 for admitting fluid to the rams 90 during retraction thereof.

A lift control valve 195, also mounted on the reservoir 185, is connected to conduits 186 and 187 and has a control handle 196. A fluid conduit 197 is connected between the valve and the conduits 77 for admitting fluid to the rams 73 during extensionthereof. A fluid conduit 198 is connected between the valve 195 and the conduit 76 for admitting fluid to the rams 73 during retraction thereof.

A tilt control valve 288 mounted on the reservoir 185 is connected to the fluid inlet and outlet conduits 187 and 186 and also provides a control handle 201. A fluid conduit 202 is connected between the valve 200 and the conduits 142 for admitting fluid to the rams 153 during extension thereof. A fluid conduit 263 is connected between the tilt control valve and the conduits 141 for admitting fluid to the rams 140 during retraction thereof.

The engage and release control valve 168 is connected to the fluid inlet and outlet conduits 187 and 186 and a fluid conduit 206 is connected between the control Valve. 168 and the fluid conduits 154 for admitting and releasing fluid to and from the rams 153.

Operation The operation of this invention is believed to be readily apparent and is briefly summarized at this point.

The material handling apparatus 10 may be con nected to a truck or trailer, not shown, by the tow bar 51 and moved to a convenient or desired location sup-v ported on the wheels 84 by rearwardly tipping the guide' channels 61. Thereupon the control handle 191 is operated to admit fluid from the reservoir 85 into the wheel positioning rams 90 through the conduits 192 and 93.

This extends the rams 90 and pivots the guide channels forms and that the forwardmost wheels are somewhat forwardly positioned from the tie member 110 connected In this regard, it is to be noted that the wheels 13 of the gondola rest individually on the plat- '2 between the lift ams 108. In this position, the shoulder rims 14 lie inwardly of the clamp levers 150. extended therebelow. I

The control handle 196 is then operated to supply fluid under pressure to the lift rams 73 through conduits U8 and 77. This slides the lift frame 62 upwardly relative to the guide channels 61 and, as best seen in Fig. 2, applies an upward force on the mounting panel 107 through the chain 123 and sprocket 122., It should be noted at this point that the chain and sprocket device is provided to enable a greater mechanical advantage. Accordingly, the gondola 11 is lifted upwardly from the platforms 32 on the lift arms 108.

'Elevational movement of the mounting panel 107 likewise causes the guide plates 105 to move upwardly on rollers 1-06 in the legs 63 of the lift frame. When the upper edge of the particular guide plate engages the roller 176 on the control lever 174 of the valve 168, the latter is actuated to deliver fluid under pressure to the rams 153 through fluid conduits 206 and 154. This extends the rams 153 and thus, pivots the hook arms 152 of the clamping levers 150 into upwardly extended position wherein they engage the shoulder pieces 14 on the sides of the gondola 11. Thus the gondola is securely locked in position on the tilt frame 130. This condition of the apparatus is shown in Fig. 2.

With reference to Fig. 3, when the lift arms 108, and therefore, the gondola 11 has reached the desired height, the control handle 201 is operated to admit fluid to the tilt rams 140 through the conduits 202 and 141. This extends the tilt rams thereby pivoting the tilt frame 130 from its folded position within the lift arms 108 into a forwardly inclined position relative to the lift arms, as shown in Fig. 3. The gondola 11, thus is emptied into a car, trailer or truck, not shown, as the case may be, and while securely retained in the tilt frame by the hook arms 152. It is sometimes desirable to rock, vibrate or otherwise manipulate the gondola in tilted position in order thoroughly to disgorge its contents. To accomplish this, fluid flow is reversed in rams 90 by oscillating handle 191 around a neutral position thereby to rock guide channels 61 and lift frame 62 around their vertical position, as illustrated in dash lines in Fig. 3.

When the gondola 11 has been emptied, the control handle 201 is operated in the opposite direction to retract the tilt ram 140 by admitting fluid to the rams 140 through the conduits 203 and 142. The tilt frame 130 thus moves from its forwardly tilted position into a folded retracted position into the lift arms 108, as best shown in Figs. 5, 7 and 8.

The control handle 196 is then operated in such a manner as to retract the lift rams 73 by admitting fluid thereto through the conduits 1.97 and 76. This lowers the lift arms 108 and the gondola 11 thereon. When the lower edges of the particular guide plate 105 engage the roller 176 of the control lever 174 of the valve 168, the fluid conduit 206 is connected to the fluid inlet conduit 187 and the spring 175 urges the clamp lever 150 into retracted position. Fluid released from the rams 153 is returned to the reservoir through fluid conduits 206 and 187 through the valve 168. Thus the gondola 11 in emptied condition is merely rested on the lift arms 108 being disengaged from the tilt frame 130.

The lift arms 108 carrying the tilt frame 130 in retracted position eventually move into their lowermost positions on opposite sides of the platforms 32 intermediate such platforms and the side channels 23 of the base frame 20. In this regard, it is to be noted that the lift arms are lowered to substantially the level of the arms 108 continue to move downwardly leaving the'75 ass-sass gondola in a position ready for removal from the platforms. Thus, the gondola is rolled down the ramps 45 and is wheeled off for subsequent loading while another loaded gondola is drawn up the ramp. The operation of the apparatus is then repeated in the same manner as above described.

' When it is desired to move the material handling apparatus 10, to another location, the control handle 191 is operated in such a manner as to retract the wheel positioning rams )0 by admitting fluid to these rams through the conduits 193 and 94. This pivots the guide channels 61 rearwardly relative to the base frame 20 and at the same time forces the wheels 84 into ground engagement lifting the base frame 20 off of the ground. This position of the apparatus is shown in dashed lines in Fig.1. Aprime mover, not shown, is then attached to the tow bar 51 and the material handling apparatus is conditioned for mobile operation. It is to be noted that the tow bar 51 may be removed from, or inserted in, the base frame merely by release or insertion of the pin 56.

From the foregoing, it will be readily apparent that the material handling apparatus provided by the present invention offers many advantages previously not available. The apparatus is durable in nature, sturdy in construction, relatively simply operated, highly versatile in the many functions performable by it and fully effective for its intended purposes.

Although the invention has been herein shown and described in what is conceived to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is recognized that departures may be made therefrom within the scope of the invention, which is not to be limited to the details disclosed herein but is to be accorded the full scope of the claims so as to embrace any and all equivalent devices and apparatus.

Having described our invention, what we claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A load handling apparatus comprising a frame, elevator means mounted on the frame adapted for vertical elevational movement, means connected to the elevator means for tilting a load mounted thereon, clamp means on the tilt means for releasably engaging a load, and control means on the frame actuated by the elevator means for operating and releasing the clamp means.

2. A dump body handling apparatus comprising a base, a support frame mounted on the base, substantially horizontally extended lift arms mounted in the support frame for elevational movement relative to the base, a tilt frame adapted to receive a dump body and being pivotally connected to the lift arms, clamp means on the tilt frame adapted for releasable engagement with a dump body on the tilt frame, and control means mounted on the support frame operable in response to elevational movement of the lift arms for actuating the clamp means to engage and release a dump body on the tilt frame.

3. A load handling apparatus comprising a substantially horizontally disposed support frame having forward and rearward portions, a substantially upright lift frame mounted on the support frame for pivotal movement around a substantially horizontal axis between predetermined forwardly and rearwardly inclined positions, ground engaging means mounted on the support frame adapted for movement between a ground engaging position in the rearwardly inclined position of the lift frame and a retracted position when the lift frame is forwardly of its rearwardly inclined position, elevator means mounted on the lift frame adapted for vertical elevational movement, means associated with the elevator means for tilting a load rested thereon, clamp means on the tilt means for releasably engaging a load thereon, and control means on the lift frame actuated by the elevator means for engaging and disengaging the clamp means relative to the load.

4. A material handling apparatus comprising an upright support frame, a lift frame mounted in the support necting the lift frame to the carriage for relative elevational movement, means for elevationally positioning the lift frame to move the lift arms between upper and lower positions, a tilt frame pivotally connected to the-lift arms adapted to receive a receptacle thereon, clamp means on the tilt framermovable between a position engageable with a receptacle on the tilt frame and a position retracted therefrom, means connected to the tilt frame for moving the tilt frame between an inwardly folded position relative to the lift arms and an outwardly tilted position relative thereto, and means on the support frame engageable with the carriage for moving the clamp means between said engageable and retracted positions in response to elevational movement of the carriage.

5. A mobile material handling apparatus comprising'a base frame having forward and rearward end portions adapted for earth traversing movement, a support frame pivotally connected centrally of thebase frame for movement between forwardly inclined and substantially, erect positions relative to the base frame and a rearwardly inclined position, ground engaging wheels rigidly mounted on the support frame for earth engagement when the support frame is rearwardly inclined and for retraction out of earth engagement when the support frame is erect or forwardly inclined, a platform mounted forwardly in the base frame for supporting a receptacle, a lift frame mounted in the support frame for vertical elevational movement relative thereto, a carriage guidably mounted in the lift frame having a pair of lift arms extended outwardly therefrom over the platform, means connecting the lift frame to the carriage for relative elevationalmovement, means for elevational-1y positioning the lift frame to move the lift arms between a position adjacent to the platform and positions thereabove, a tilt frame pivotally connected to the lift arms adapted to receive a receptacle thereon, clamp means on the tilt frame releasably engageable with the receptacle, means for moving the tilt frame between an inwardly folded position relative to the lift arms and a forwardly tilted position relative thereto,

and means responsive to elevational movement of the carriage for actuating the clamp means.

6. A gondola dumping apparatus comprising a base frame having forward and rearward end portions, guide members pivotally connected centrally of the baseframe for unitary movement between forwardly and rearwardly inclined positions, wheels mounted on the guide members lowered for ground engagement when the guide members are rearwardly inclined and raised out of ground engagement when the members are displaced from said rear wardly inclined position, a lift frame having legs telescopically received by the guide members for vertical positioning relative thereto and an upper cross bar, a platform mounted in the forward end portion of the base frame spaced centrally therein forwardly of the guide members adapted to support a gondola, a carriage guidably mounted by the lift frame for vertical positioning relative to the guide members, means connecting the carriage to the lift frame for vertical movement therewith, lift arms forwardly extended from the carriage adapted for vertical movement between positions interposed the base frame and the platform and positions elevationally spaced from the platform and providing longitudinal channels therein, a tilt frame having a pair of beams pivotally connected to the lift arms for movement between individually folded positions in the channels of the arms and positions forwardly inclined from the arms and having a cross piece adapted to abut the carriage in the folded positions of the arms, levers pivotally mounted in opposed spaced relation on the beams of .the

, carriage for moving the hook ends of the levefs b tween engagement when the members are erect, a lift frame having legs telescopically received by the guide members for vertical positioning relative thereto and an upper cross bar, a shaft journaled in the lift frame in adjacent parallel spaced relation to the cross bar, sprockets mounted on the shaft, 21 platform mounted in the forward end portion of the base frame spaced centrally therein forwardly of the guide members adapted to support a gondola, a carriage guidably mounted by the lift frame for vertically positioning relative to the guide members, chains secured at one end to the base frame fitted in meshing engagement over the sprocket wheels and secured at the other ends thereof to the carriage, lift arms forwardly extended from the carriage adapted for vertical movement between positions interposed the base frame and the platform and positions elevationally spaced from the platform and pro viding longitudinal channels therein, 'a tilt frame including a pair of beams pivotally connected to the lift arms for movement between individually folded positions in the channels of the arms and positions forwardly inclined from the arms and having a cross piece interconnecting the beams, levers pivotally mounted in opposed spaced relation on the beams of the tilt frame having book ends,

movable between extended gondola engaging positions and retracted positions, and control means responsive to vertical movement of the carriage for moving the hook ends of the levers between the extended and retracted positions.

8. A gondola dumping apparatus comprising a base frame having forward and rearward end portions, guide members pivotally connected centrally of the base frame for unitary movement between forwardly and rearwardly inclined positions, wheels mounted on the guide members lowered for ground engagement when the guide members are rearwardly inclined and raised out of ground engagement when the members are displaced from said rearwardly inclined position,- a lift frame having legs telescopically received by the guide members for vertical positioning relative thereto and an upper cross bar, a platform mounted in the forward end portion of the base frame spaced centrally therein forwardly of the guide members adapted to support a gondola, a carriage guidably mounted by the lift frame for vertical positioning relative to the guide members, means connecting the carriage to the lift frame for vertical movement therewith, lift arms forwardly extendcd from the carriage adapted for vertical movement between positions interposed the base frame and the platform and positions elevationally spaced from the platform and providing longitudinal channels therein, a tilt frame having a pair of beams pivotally connected to the left arms for movement between individually folded positions in the channels of the arms and positions forwardly inclined from the arms and having a cross piece adapted to abut the carriage in the folded positions of the arms, levers pivotally mounted in opposed spaced relation on the beams of the tilt frame having hook ends movable between extended gondola engaging positions and retracted positions, a control lever mounted on one of the guide members for vertical pivotal movement and extended into the path of movement of the carriage adapted for actuation incident to vertical movement of the carriage to extend and retract the hook ends v of the levers on the tilt frame.

9. A gondola dumping apparatus comprising a base frame having forward and rearward end portions, guide members pivotally connected centrally of the base frame for unitary movement between forwardly and rearwardly l 11 inclined positions, wheels mounted on the guide members lowered for ground engagement when the guide members arerearwardly inclined and raised out of ground engagement when'the members are displaced from said rearwardly inclined position, a lift frame having legs telescopically received by the guide members for vertical positioning relative thereto and an upper cross bar, a pair of platforms mounted in spaced relation in the forward end portion of the base frame spaced centrally therein forwardly of the guide members adapted to support a gondola, a plurality of ramps hingedly mounted on the base frame adapted for alignment with the platforms for guiding a gondola onto the platforms, a carriage guidably mounted by the lift ,frame for vertically positioning relative to the guide members, means connecting the carriage to the lift frame for vertical movement therewith, lift arms forwardly extended from the carriage adapted for vertical movement between positions interposed the base frame and the platform and positions elevationally spaced from the platform and providing longitudinal channels therein, a tilt frame having a pair of beams pivotally connected to the lift arms for movement between individually folded positions in the channels of the arms and positions forwardly inclined from the arms and having a cross piece adapted to abut the carriage in the folded positions of the arms, levers pivotally mounted in opposed spaced relation on the beams of the tilt frame having hook ends movable between extended gondola engaging positions and retracted positions, and control means responsive to vertical movement of the carriage for moving the hook ends of the levers between the extended and retracted positions.

10. A mobile material handling apparatus comprising a base frame having forward and rearward end portions adapted for earth traversing movement, a support frame pivotally connected centrally of the base frame for movement between forwardly inclined and substantially erect positions relative to the base frame and a rearwardly inclined position, ground engaging wheels rigidly mounted on the support frame for earth engagement when the support frame is rearwardly inclined and for retraction out of earth engagement when the support frame is erect or forwardly inclined, a platform mounted forwardly in the base frame for supporting a receptacle, a lift frame mounted in the support frame for vertical elevational movement relative thereto, a carriage guidably mounted in the lift frame having a pair of lift arms extended outwardly therefrom over the platform, means connecting the lift frame to the carriage for relative elevational movement, means for elevationally positioning the lift frame to move the lift arms between a position adjacent to the platform and selected positions thereabove, a tilt frame pivotally connected to the lift arms, hydraulically operable clamp means on the tilt frame releasably engageahle with the receptacle, means for moving the tilt frame between an inwardly folded position relative to the I lift arms and a forwardly tilted position relative thereto,

hydraulic means including a control valve mounted on the support frame, and a pivotal control arm on the control valve extended in the path of the carriage engageable with the carriage upon elevational movement thereof to actuate the clamp means.

llv A load handling apparatus comprising a support, an elevator mounted on the support, a tilt frame adapted to support a load mounted on the elevator for movement between a tilted position relative to the elevator and a position retracted therefrom, clamp means mounted on the tilt frame operable for movement between a position engaging a load on the tilt frame and a retracted position, and a control means mounted on the support actuated .by the elevator to operate the clamp means for movement thereof'between said engaging and retracted positions.

12, 'A load handling apparatus comprising a support,

an elevator mounted on the support, a frame adapted to receive a load mounted on the elevator for pivotal movement around a predetermined axis, clamp means mounted on the frame operable for movement between a position engaging a load on the frame and a retracted position, and control means mounted on the support actuated by the elevator to operate the clamp means for movement thereof between engaging and retracted positions.

.13. A mobile receptacle dumping apparatus comprising a base having forward and rearward portions and being adapted for earth traversing movement, a frame upwardly extended from the base, means pivotally mounting the frame on the base for forward and rearward pivotal movement relative to' the base around a substantially horizontal axis, wheels mounted on the frame for movement between ground engaging and retracted positions incident to said pivotal movement of the frame, means interconnecting the frame and the base for pivoting the frame relative to the base, means for supporting a receptacle, means mounted on the supporting means for releasably locking the receptacle on the supporting means, means mounting the supporting means on the frame for elevational movement relative to the base and for pivotal movement around a predetermined axis between a dumping position and a position retracted therefrom, and control means connected to the supporting means for pivoting the supporting means between dumping and retracted positions.

14. A load handling apparatus comprising a substantially horizontally disposed support frame having forward and rearward portions, a substantially upright lift frame mounted on the support frame for pivotal movement around a'substantially horizontal axis between predetermined forwardly and rearwardly inclined positions relative to the support frame whereby said lift frame is inclined while the support frame remains substantially horizontal, ground engaging members mounted on the lift frame for movement between a ground engaging position in the rearwardly inclined position of the lift frame and a retracted position when the lift frame is forwardly of its rearwardly inclined position, an elevator mounted on the lift frame for elevational movement, means for supporting a load mounted on the elevator for tilting movement relative thereto, clamp means on the load supporting means for releasably engaging a load thereon, and means connected to the load supporting means for controlling tilting movement thereof.

15. A mobile material handling apparatus comprising a base having forward and rearward portions and being adapted for earth traversing movement, a support upwardly extended and pivotally connected to the base for movement between forwardly and rearwardly inclined positions relative to the base, wheels mounted on the support for ground engagement when the support is rearwardly inclined and for retraction out of ground engagement when the support is displaced forwardly of the rearwardly inclined position, an elevator mounted on the support, a tilt frame pivotally connected to the elevator for movement around a predetermined axis between tilted and retracted positions and being adapted to receive a receptacle thereon, clamp means mounted on the tilt frame for releasable engagement with a receptacle there-on, means connected to the tilt frame for moving the tilt'frame between said tilted and retracted positions, and means mounted on the support responsive to elevational movement of the elevator for actuating the clamp means.

16. A material'handling apparatus comprising an upright support frame, a lift frame mounted in the support frame for elevational movement relative thereto, a carriage guidably mounted in the lift frame having lift means outwardly extended from the lift frame, means connecting the lift frame to the carriage for relative elevational movement, means for elevationally positioning the lift frame to move the lift means between upper and lower positions, a tilt frame pivotally connected to the lift means adapted 13 to support a receptacle thereon, clamp means on the tilt frame movable between a position engageable with a receptacle on the tilt frame and a. position retracted therefrom, means connected to the tilt frame for moving the tilt frame between "an inner position overlying the lift means and an outer tilted position relative to the lift means, and means on the support frame engageable with the carriage for moving the clamp means between said engageable and retracted positions in response to elevational movement of the carriage.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Kelly et a1. Oct. 29, Lepley Feb. 10, Bradley Feb. 1, Simpson et al Sept. 16, Cochran May 10, Katzman May 4, Wilson Aug. 30, Schreck July 31, 

